Seth Jahn says US men’s team is ‘especially ready’ ahead of FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup kicks off today with former U.S. Soccer Federation Athletes Council member Seth Jahn discussing the tournament. Jahn emphasizes Team USA’s home-court advantage and the talent of Europe’s elite, predicting a successful series. It highlights the unique fan enthusiasm and support expected from the American Outlaws, creating a powerful atmosphere for the games.
NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
For the first time in 32 years, the United States men’s soccer team will play a World Cup match at home Friday night.
The sport’s popularity in the United States changed dramatically after the 1994 World Cup, thanks in large part to the Stars and Stripes’ appearance in the round of 16 for the first time since 1934. It might be déjà vu this year (the New York Knicks were in the NBA Finals the last time the United States hosted them), as this year’s team is likely the best in recent memory.
Now, team legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard aren’t going so far as to say they’re going to win it all, but they’re certainly not ruling out a “magical summer.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan celebrates with striker Jozy Altidore and goalkeeper Tim Howard after their 1-0 victory in the first round of Group C of the 2010 World Cup June 23 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, South Africa. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
“I’m not sure they’re capable of winning it. It’s probably reserved for about five teams in the world. But I think they can have a magical summer where they run around and have magical moments, late goals, someone becomes the darling of the team, and they capture the attention of the media and the fans,” Howard recently told PK Press Club Digital.
“Of course, having a deep race is going to help with the momentum, especially because it’s home and more people are going to watch just because it’s in America.”
Howard and Donovan agreed that winning the group is the bare minimum, and then a knockout match can get interesting.
“That match against Senegal (3-2 USA win on May 31) was what a round of 16 could be like, maybe even a round of 16. There were a lot of changes, it was hot, the two teams haven’t been together long yet, so I’m not too invested in the outcome,” Donovan said, cautiously optimistic. “I’m just saying that’s the type of opponent and the type of game you could have. We can absolutely win this game. And I would say we’re favored in games like that. Or at home, if our team plays well…
American soccer icon Landon Donovan helps promote excitement for a major international soccer tournament during an event at the Raising Cane flagship venue in Inglewood, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) ((Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images))
LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS’ “RESPONSIBILITY” IN US GAME’S GROWTH
“Then you get to the round of 16, and that’s where you get Belgium, or Portugal, or someone like that. And the challenge is, as we saw a month and a half ago when they played Belgium and Portugal, they struggled a lot. If the spirit and the effort is what it was against Senegal, we can absolutely beat those teams too. We won’t be favored, but we can absolutely beat those teams, without any doubt.”
Howard said if the United States wants to advance to the quarterfinals, they will have to beat a “tyrant” in the round of 16.
“It’s easy on paper. A lot of things need to happen,” Howard warned.
But both former stars believe it’s possible.
“I think they’re a really talented team. Can they come together and play all their best football at the same time? We’ll see. But I think they have the potential to do it,” Howard said.
United States goalkeeper Tim Howard plays during a game against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, May 27, 2014. (Michael Burns/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Donovan, however, took a slight step forward.
“They’re capable of it. I’m expecting a deep entry into the tournament. I am.”
